Twin 4.3 B3 a enough for 2006 290 Sundancer?

My inclination would be no. The 290 is a fairly heavy boat and I'd think the minimum you'd want in there would be 5.0L V8's. 5.7L's would be better.

Don't calculate the weight of the boat based on dry weight. Add in the fuel, water, passengers, gear, etc. when you're figuring how much engine you need because that's the load you'll be pushing through the water.
 
We used to have a 1989 280, which was a 10' 5" beam I think. It was a big 280. We have 4.3s and the boat performed well. They use very little gas. I would suggest a sea trial and make your own decision, but we were fine with that package.
 
bahamabreisus said:
We used to have a 1989 280, which was a 10' 5" beam I think. It was a big 280. We have 4.3s and the boat performed well. They use very little gas. I would suggest a sea trial and make your own decision, but we were fine with that package.
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I had a 1989 280 with the 5.7s and Alpha 1 drives. She ran very well. That boat had a dry weight of 8,000lbs with a 120 gal fuel capacity. If the 290 is similar in specs, based on Bahama's comment, I say it should be ok, you just won't be breaking any speed records. I would also be mindful of the loads you carry as it may be underpowered under a full load.
 
That boat runs quite well with the V6's. Hull design has SO MUCH to do with how a boat runs, it's hard to give a blanket statement about how much power is enough, or too much (although the later is often hard to achieve!!!). There's no question that V8's would perform better, but the V6's are more than adequate for most. If you're loading the boat down with 12 people and still want to go like a bat out of hell, well, no - this wouldn't be the combination. But for 95% of the people (generalization), the V6's will be plenty. While the torque is probably a little different, keep in mind that these V6's produce the same HP as V8's of yesteryear.
 
He also stated Bravo III's with duo props which will help tremendously over the single propped Alphas.
 
Have to agree with Dennis here - that boat is dimensionally the same as a 2001-2008 280 DA and the most common power was 4.3/A1 and as a prior owner I can tell you the boat was powered fine....the B3's on the 290 will make it even better out of the hole....
 
We have an 06 290 with the 4.3 MPI's Bravo 3 set up at our dealership. I've had the boat on the river numerous times and can say the boat performs remarkably well with this setup. Hole shot is minimal, top end is 42MPH, she cruises at 3300/3500 RPM at 30/32MPH......So overall a great set up with the 4.3's.... I'm not sure you would gain much with the 5.0's other than larger gas bill
 
I agree with the previous speaker. We have a 2006 Sea Ray 290 with Bravo 3 and twin Merc V6. Was a bit skeptical about buying it with V6 engine setup and was looking for one with twin Merc 5.0 V8. But it eventually became one with twin Merc V6. The boat works great with this engine setup. It easily gets up in plan even with the whole family and packing.
 
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